Hundreds of students from over a dozen school districts across the Valley gathered at MCCTC to showcase their talents in the Skills USA Regionals competition.

The competition is a chance for students in the trades to showcase their talents from construction to cosmetology and go for the gold.

Organizers say the competition acts as a true test of a student's ability to put what they've learned in the classroom into motion without the help of their teachers.

"It's really cool to see them kind of problem solve by themselves and to come out with a finished product that they can be proud of," said MCCTC Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator Jessica Cene.

Additionally, the competition encourages students to pursue their education, as well as connect them with professionals who may help kickstart their careers in the future.

These professionals were brought in as judges providing feedback for students looking at full time opportunities on the horizon. Some of those judges doubled as recruiters for local companies.

"There's nothing better than having a professional in the field tell you what you're doing good and what needs a little more improvement. They're the ones that are going to hire our students," Cene said.